BLM, county and city continue tradition of safe fireworks location
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WORLAND, Wyo. — Rainy weather didn’t curb Independence Day celebrations around the Bighorn Basin, including the tradition of fireworks at the gravel pit northwest of Worland. Each year for the past 15 years or so, Washakie County, the City of Worland and the Bureau of Land Management Worland Field Office have partnered to provide a safe place for people to use fireworks without the risk of starting wildfires.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together and have a place to enjoy the Fourth of July with their fireworks,” said Worland Fire Chief Chris Kocher. “Multiple agencies work together to make this happen each year.”
Over the extended holiday weekend, fire protection at the gravel pit was provided by the BLM and Worland Fire Department; a law enforcement presence was provided by the Washakie County Sheriff’s Department, Worland Police Department and BLM; and Cody Regional Health staffed an ambulance for any medical emergencies. Additionally, the city provided several dumpsters for easy disposal of spent fireworks and other trash.
"Because fireworks are illegal on public lands, this annual exception in Worland is a unique situation," said BLM Worland Field Manager Mike Phillips. “We’re happy to be able to offer this opportunity, which wouldn’t be possible without our partners in Washakie County and the City of Worland."
The celebration went off without a hitch, with only a few small fire starts that were quickly extinguished. As a preventative effort, the Worland Fire Department mowed vegetation prior to the festivities, enabling people to spread out with their fireworks without increasing the risk of wildfire.
Kocher and Phillips are asking for the community’s help for future celebrations.
“By picking up trash afterward, we can continue to help you have a place to use your fireworks,” Kocher said. “Any civic group that would like to help with the cleanup should contact me directly.”
For more information, please contact the BLM Worland Field Office at (307) 347-5100 or Worland Fire Chief Chris Kocher at (307) 431-2675.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.